They're building a Mormon church in my town. Most of the Christians I know around here are upset, angry, and worried by it. Why, though? Why is it such a shock to us that there are people of other religions out there, doing the exact same things that we are to gain followers?

I'll tell you why: it's because of where we are. The "Bible Belt." The land where a church stands on just about every corner and there's not just a First Baptist Church but also a Second and maybe even a Third. It seems that we've forgotten about the world outside of our stained glass walls. And I'm not just talking about the nations. I'm talking about our nation. Our cities. Our neighbors. We think because there's so many churches there has to be a proportionate amount of Christians, but that simply isn't the case.

When we think about having a heart for the nations, it's almost easier for us to make that mean anywhere but where we are now. We talk about going places where we could be killed or imprisoned for our faith but we aren't willing to go next door and share the gospel with our neighbors. We can't be bothered to show kindness to the Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses that knock on our doors. Are they less lost? Are they less broken and sinful? Are they not God's creation, worthy of love and compassion?

Our hearts break so easily for those so conveniently out of our reach.

As Christians, our mission field is our lives. I'm not saying that being a career missionary is required for Christians; I'm saying that we are called to be missionaries in whatever career, country, town, school, and life in which God has placed us. The calling on our lives is to be used by God in furthering his kingdom. Who are we to dictate what that looks like or where it happens? And who are we to turn down the opportunities that he puts in our lives for that very purpose?

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" Psalm 96:3